Champion 600 5B1

Fender Electric Instrument Co.; Fullerton (CA)

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  • Year
  • 1949
  • Category
  • Audio Amplifier or -mixer
  • Radiomuseum.org ID
  • 356584

 Technical Specifications

  • Number of Tubes
  • 3
  • Main principle
  • Audio-Amplification
  • Wave bands
  • - without
  • Power type and voltage
  • Alternating Current supply (AC) / 50-60 Hz, 110 Volt
  • Loudspeaker
  • Permanent Magnet Dynamic (PDyn) Loudspeaker (moving coil) / Ø 6 inch = 15.2 cm
  • Power out
  • 4 W (unknown quality)
  • Material
  • Leather / canvas / plastic - over other material
  • from Radiomuseum.org
  • Model: Champion 600 5B1 - Fender Electric Instrument Co.
  • Shape
  • Tablemodel, high profile (upright - NOT Cathedral nor decorative).
  • Notes

  • The Champion 600 was introduced by Fender in mid-1949, replacing the original Champion 800. It maintained the simple design philosophy of its predecessor while introducing some notable changes.

    Key Specifications

    • Power Output: Approximately 3-4 watts
    • Speaker: 6-inch (smaller than the Champion 800's 8-inch)
    • Circuit: 5B1 design (same as the Champion 800)
    • Cabinet: "TV-front" style
    • Covering: Two-tone blonde and brown vinyl covering

    Design and Features

    The Champion 600 retained much of the Champion 800's simplicity:

    • Tube Complement:
      • One 6SJ7 pentode (preamp)
      • One 6V6 beam power tetrode (power amp)
      • One 5Y3 rectifier tube
    • Controls: Single volume control, which also functioned as the on/off switch
    • Inputs: Two input jacks

    Evolution

    • 1953: The cabinet style changed to the "Wide Panel" design with a tweed cloth covering.
    • Circuit Designation: Changed from 5B1 to 5C1 ("5" for 1950s, "C" for third circuit revision, "1" for Champ).
    • 1955: Transitioned to the "Narrow Panel" tweed cabinet with a plastic oxblood colour grille cloth.

    Legacy

    The Champion 600 played a crucial role in establishing the Champ series as a favourite among guitarists, especially for recording. Its low wattage allowed for cranked tube tones at manageable volumes.

    Modern Reissue

    In 2006, Fender reissued the Champion 600:

    • Cosmetics: Similar to the original, with two-tone tolex and imitation suede speaker grille cloth
    • Circuit: Modified blackface Champ circuit
    • Rectification: Switched to solid state from the original tube rectification
    • Power: 5 watts
    • Speaker: 6-inch, 4-ohm internal speaker
    • Tubes: 1x 12AX7 (preamp), 1x 6V6 (power)

    The reissue aimed to capture the essence of the original while incorporating some modern improvements. It was discontinued in 2010, briefly reintroduced in 2014, and discontinued again in 2016. The Champion 600, both in its original form and as a reissue, has been praised for its simplicity, portability, and ability to produce classic tube tones at manageable volumes, making it a favorite for practice and recording.

  • Author
  • Model page created by Gary Cowans. See "Data change" for further contributors.

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